The latest on California politics and government

February 6, 2014

A pair of political heavyweights has joined state Sen. Ted Lieu's congressional bid.

Gale Kaufman and Bill Carrick were tapped to help guide the Torrance Democrat's campaign for the seat of retiring Rep. Henry Waxman.

Lieu is running in what could become a crowded field for the open 33rd Congressional District. Former Los Angeles Controller Wendy Greuel, coming off a tough loss in the city's mayoral campaign, has already been endorsed by former Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Attorney General Kamala Harris.

Among Lieu's early supporters are Democratic Reps. Maxine Waters and Alan Lowenthal and Los Angeles City Council members Mike Bonin and Paul Koretz.

Kaufman, who specializes in statewide ballot measure campaigns, has worked on races for dozens of state and federal candidates, including presidential hopeful Bill Bradley. Carrick, a longtime consultant for U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Rep. Lois Capps, recently helped run the campaign of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and is working on former Santa Monica Mayor Bobby Shriver's supervisorial run.

Joining Lieu and Greuel in the race are independents Marianne Williamson, an author, and Brent Roske, a producer. Republican-turned-independent Bill Bloomfield is said to be weighing a run.

PHOTO: Sen.Ted Lieu, D-Torrance during session at the Capitol in March. The Sacramento Bee/Hector Amezcua